Jaguars Offseason and Preseason Recap

by JLawXV | 2 years ago | 0 Comments

A Rebound Year?

It's nearly time for the 2024 NFL Season, and after a disappointing 2023 the Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping to rebound and reignite their postseason hopes. GM Trent Baalke made a flurry of trades to clear cap space and inject more youth into the roster, while also snagging some premium free agents to fill critical roles on prove it deals. Head Coach Doug Pederson lead the Jaguars to a 2-1 Preseason record headlined by an impressive comeback against the Green Bay Packers, who the Jaguars will face again in Week 3 of the regular season.


Trade Acquisitions

One of the biggest shake ups for Jacksonville came when they traded franchise linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson to the rival Texans for second year defensive tackle Byron Young and three year safety Tristin McCollum. Widely regarded as a cap dump, the Jaguars seem to be trending towards developing Byron Young into a franchise defensive tackle while McCollum's future on the team is currently uncertain. While his physical tools are tantalizing, McCollum has never played an NFL Regular season snap despite going into his third year.

Trent Baalke wasn't done making moves to save money. Left tackle Cam Robinson was traded to the Giants for budding reciever Wan'Dale Robinson, who has reportedly struck a friendship with veteran reciever Zay Jones. Wan'Dale will most likely be a depth piece this season, but he could become the future number one or number two option for Anthony Richardson if all goes well.

The final trade shake up was sending safety Rayshawn Jenkins, best known for his legendary tip pick of Dak Presscot in an overtime must win game for the 2022 Jaguars, to the Falcons for second year cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and third year linebacker Deangelo Malone. Kris Abrams-Draine is considered a depth piece now, but fills a critical role that was vacated by the now departed Jason Verrett. Deangelo Malone will be able to learn from the budding superstar Travon Walker and superstar Foyesade Oluokun.

Free Agent Signings

The Jaguars are all in on the run game this year. Signing verterans Cam Akers, Rashaad Penny, and Raheem Mostert to deals in order to increase the depth of their running back room, opponents should be wary of the speed and physicality on the ground. The Jaguars front office is clearly taking notes from the dominant 2023 Eagles.

Other signings bolstered the trenches, from right tackle Yosh Nijman to left guard Austin Blythe to help shore up an offensive line that struggled during 2023.

Another interesting addition was tight end J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, a four year veteran who never quite took his game to starter level. He'll back up Evan Engram, but it remains to be seen what his role on the team is at this time.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Shaq Thompson headlines the signings, providing a much needed run stopper behind the line. Also of note is safety Jayron Kearse, replacing the departed Rayshawn Jenkins. Kearse had career highs with Buffalo last year, recording six interceptions, one forced fumble, fourty-two tackles, and one pick six.


Rookies

The Jaguars drafted for the trenches, trying to shore up a unit that struggled in 2023. Standout rookies include left guard Davante Wynn and right edge Alejandro Guerrero, who are both expected to be named starters after stellar preseason performances. Wynn has also reportedly struck up a friendship with franchise right guard Brandon Scherff, and has signifigantly improved his game with Scherff's mentorship. Rookies Travis Knoll and Deshaun Maynard are expected to make the roster as depth pieces, which Doug Pederson remarking that both players have "remarkable potential" in a recent press conference. Keep an eye on those players, as they could become the future of the franchise.


Confidence for the Future?

After a letdown in 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars are prepared to take on a 2024. Week one against the Detroit Lions will prove to be a litmus test for a team with playoff expectations. The foundation has been laid, and with the regular season fast approaching, Jacksonville should have high hopes for an improved Jaguars team.

DUUUVAL!